Procurement done same day, transparent queue system ensures fairness; Akali Dal spreading misinformation to mislead farmers: Baljeet Kaur
Punjab E News (18 April 2026): Punjab Cabinet Minister and MLA from Malout, Baljeet Kaur, issued a strong rebuttal to SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal over his recent visit to the Malout grain market, accusing him of spreading misinformation and indulging in “political theatrics” at the cost of farmers.
Clarifying the situation, Baljeet Kaur said that she was not present in Malout on the day of Badal’s visit due to a Cabinet meeting in Chandigarh. “Had he come in my presence, I would have personally welcomed him and apprised him of the real ground situation,” she stated.
Responding to claims that procurement had not started, she asserted, “The farmer whose procurement I had initiated got his crop purchased the very same day. If any farmer brings wheat repeatedly after a gap of days, the procurement follows a proper queue system. I had already instructed officials in the mandi that every farmer will get their turn fairly, and no one will be given undue preference.”
She emphasized that facts must not be distorted for political mileage and urged people to understand the reality before being misled.
Taking a broader political swipe, Baljeet Kaur said, “It is ironic that leaders who once remained confined to their palaces are now compelled to reach out to the public. They are even dragging elderly people into politics and using their words for trolling and propaganda.”
Highlighting the recent crisis caused by hailstorms, she pointed out that many farmers suffered severe crop damage. “We continuously appealed to the Centre to grant relaxation for damaged wheat. However, the approval letter came only on April 17. Since procurement is done by the Centre, I want to ask, why did Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who represents this area of Punjab in Parliament, not take timely initiative to secure this relief before procurement began?” she questioned.
She further reminded that those now claiming to stand with farmers had supported the controversial farm laws. “Farmers must remember who stood with them and who stood against them during critical times,” she said.
Reaffirming her commitment, Baljeet Kaur stated that the Punjab government has always stood with its people. “Whether it is farmers or even voiceless animals, we are ensuring support in every crisis. Recently, we also arranged fodder for cattle in affected villages,” she added.
She concluded by asserting that the AAP government will continue to work honestly for the welfare of the people while exposing those indulging in opportunistic politics.
